# Watercress Line Father Christmas Express 2026

> Watercress Line Father Christmas Express 2026 runs 12 to 24 December 2026. Adults from £22.50, children £27.50. Times, booking and what to know, from the official page.

Source: https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/santa-trains/watercress-line/

SANTA TRAINS

12 to 24 Dec 2026, Ropley Station, Watercress Line.

A steam train ride from Ropley to Medstead, the highest station on the line, with Father Christmas on board. Each child collects a present at the Present Junction back at Ropley, and there are activities and a miniature railway at the station.

| Dates | 12 to 24 Dec 2026 |
| --- | --- |
| Days | 12, 13 and 19 to 24 December 2026 |
| Times | Activities run from 9.30am to 3.30pm |
| Departs From | Ropley SO24 9SQ [Open in Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=51.0902,-1.1003) |
| Includes | A magic token to swap for a present at the Present Junction, reindeer food to make, a letter to Father Christmas and a miniature railway ride at Ropley |
| Ages | Children aged 1 to 15 pay the child fare; under-1s get a gift but no seat |
| Tickets and Price | Adults from £22.50, children £27.50. Advance prices for 12 to 23 December: adult (16+) £22.50, child 1 to 15 £27.50, under-1 £12 with a gift but no seat; on 24 December adult £28.50, child £34.50, under-1 £14.50; £2.50 booking fee |
| Organiser | Watercress Line. [Official page](https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/father-christmas-express/) |
| Hotels | [Hotels near Ropley](https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=bobbleventures&lat=51.0902&lng=-1.1003&address=Ropley%2C%20UK&checkin=2026-12-12&checkout=2026-12-13&currency=GBP&campaign=bcm_santa_santa_watercress_line_top) [affiliate](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/affiliate-disclosure/) |

Checked against [Watercress Line](https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/father-christmas-express/), 21 October 2026. Times and prices can change: check the official page before you set off. Spotted something out of date? [Tell us](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/contact/).

## Where Is Watercress Line Father Christmas Express?

**Making a night of it?** [See hotels near Ropley](https://www.stay22.com/allez/roam?aid=bobbleventures&lat=51.0902&lng=-1.1003&address=Ropley%2C%20UK&checkin=2026-12-12&checkout=2026-12-13&currency=GBP&campaign=bcm_santa_santa_watercress_line_link), priced for a night it is on. [affiliate link](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/affiliate-disclosure/)

## Christmas Markets Nearby

Make a day of it: the closest Christmas markets with confirmed 2026 dates.

[Petersfield Christmas Market  Petersfield, Hampshire  13 Dec 2026  9 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/petersfield/) [Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market  Winchester, Hampshire  20 Nov to 22 Dec 2026  9 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/winchester/) [Milestones Christmas Market  Basingstoke, Hampshire  5 to 6 Dec 2026  12 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/milestones-basingstoke/) [Farnham Maltings Christmas Fair  Farnham, Surrey  18 to 19 Nov 2026  15 miles away](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/markets/farnham-maltings/)

[All santa trains](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/santa-trains/) · [Christmas markets near you](https://bestchristmasmarkets.co.uk/)